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PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture

Rapid changes in the nation's social circumstances have led to an increased interest in sports activities and an increased need for these activities. It has become an urgent task for the Government to develop conditions which enable all people to enjoy sports throughout their life. Under the present situation, in which world athletics has improved greatly, the improvement of the level or Japanese athletes has become a great challenge.

In November 1989 the Health and Physical Education Council, an advisory organ to the Minister of Education, Science and Culture, published a report on "Strategies for the Promotion of Sports for the 21st Century". On the basis of this report, the Ministry established the Sports Promotion Fund in December 1990. The Ministry also plans to carry out various measures for the development and improvement of sports facilities, as well as for the promotion of various sports activities, including sports for al, competitive sports and physical education and sports in school.

Another important issue is helping people maintain their health through various stages of their life. With a view to contributing to the promotion of children's mental and physical health and to the maintenance of people's health for the different stages of life, the Ministry aims to promote health education programs through both formal and non-formal education.